So Lexus has taken the wraps off the 2015 NX hybrid's specs. U.S. buyers will have a choice between a 235 hp turbo inline 4-cylinder engine or a 194 hp hybrid with a 2.5 L Atkinson ICE. They estimate that the hybrid will get 34-36 mpg combined mileage. But that is the same power train as the one in our 2012 Camry hybrid and we get around 40 mpg combined in that car with six more horses. We're currently getting close to 30 mpg combined in our 2010 RX 450h. So the NX hybrid wouldn't seem to promise a big improvement in that department. And I can't imagine that the NX will ride better than the RX. My younger daughter and her husband might like it though -- if they ever get over their Mini-mania.

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I like it and given the choice if buying right now I would seriously consider it. I was never unhappy with the performance of the Camry Hybrid, although not sure the weight difference involved between that and the NX. Haven't seen any pics of the trunk space yet though, that might be a concern, hoping it's at least decent.

welll keep in mind that you're hauling heavier weight on this compact cross-over SUV (or CUV) as oppose to a standard sedan like the camry. i can see how the camry can do 40 mpgs and the NX around 35 mpgs considering the size, bulk, and weight difference.

Don't expect to get 40mpg in the NX as you would in the Camry or Avalon or ES. Poorer aerodynamics, bigger and heavier car add in 4WD, the little engine has to work that much hard. Its the same thing when it comes to the CT vs the Prius. Small engine, heavy car equals diminishing returns.

I've had 4 hybrids in my lifetime and generally can best the city fuel economy by a touch but highway not very, likely the opposite. I also imagine 47 is more an anomaly than anything with the ES, especially on the highway. ECO mode generally helps the most In town because all it really does is tone down the gas pedal responsiveness and restrict the full power usage of A/C.

Don't expect to get 40mpg in the NX as you would in the Camry or Avalon or ES. Poorer aerodynamics, bigger and heavier car add in 4WD, the little engine has to work that much hard. Its the same thing when it comes to the CT vs the Prius. Small engine, heavy car equals diminishing returns.

The AWD won't affect that much since the rear wheels are powered by electric motors only. There are no driveshaft between the front and rear axle.
The AWD is a FWD with extra electric motors on the rear axle.

One key thing to point out with the NX's hybrid engine is that it is not exactly the same as the Camry's, Avalon's or even the ES's, based on what we know today, i.e. power numbers and development. There was a significant effort by Lexus to fine tune the NVH and fuel economy (video below, from 2m50s) for the NX, plus the claim of best-in-class fuel economy. I'm not expecting 40 mpg combined, but easily 35-36 mpgs combined, with my gut telling me as high as 38-39 mpg city and a little lower hwy. For some perspective to show how very plausible this is, the EPA rating for the RX 450h is 32 City / 28 Hwy, V6 hybrid engine, and weighs 700 Lbs more.